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Crime jumps in May

Thursday, 3 July 2014 - 2:06pm

Staff

Perhaps it was the milder weather but crime took a leap here in May, with the number of charges rising from 76 in April to 129 the following month, it was revealed at yesterday’s Police Services Board meeting here.
These included 66 Criminal Code charges, 41 Highway Traffic Act charges, and 13 Liquor Licence Act charges, with the balance made up of other types of offences.

There were 10 break-and-enters reported in May, three of which occurred in Fort Frances.
These included a domestic-related break-in where an assault took place. Charges were laid in that incident.
There also were 10 counts of mischief in May, five of which occurred in Fort Frances.
These included a vehicle being keyed, a damaged bike during an assault incident, broken windows at a school, spray painting at the skate park, and a motion sensor light being damaged.
As well, there were 13 counts of thefts under $5,000 in May, five of which occurred in Fort Frances.
These included a cellphone theft, a swing chair being stolen, and the thefts of a bike, a barbecue, and a backpack from a bike while the owner was in a store.
And 23 assaults were reported in May, 18 of which occurred in town.
Ten of these were domestic-related, with charges laid in all cases.
With the exception of the assaults, the number of incidents were at or below average for the month of May.
In other news, information on the new OPP billing model should be out soon.
Local detachment commander Insp. Steve Shouldice told the board that the release of the model was delayed by the provincial election.
As previously reported, it is anticipated municipalities that have per household costs in the high range, such as Fort Frances, will see a decrease once the new billing model kicks in next year.
Others, including most smaller district municipalities, will pay more than they do now.
Meanwhile, the OPP hasn’t experienced any problems related to the high water in Rainy River District in recent weeks.
Other than having to temporarily close Highway 11 just west of Van Drunen Road in La Vallee Township due to a washout back on June 12, police haven’t had to shut down roads and redirect traffic, Insp. Shouldice noted.
And while OPP have been warning boaters to be wary of debris floating in area waters, he added there’s been no reports of such collisions that he’s aware of.
The Police Services Board also thanked OPP Cst. Anne McCoy for leading the Canada Day parade here Tuesday morning.